KUALA BESUT: The regulation and order of Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) are in the final stages of obtaining approval from the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC), says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic).
He said that once the five regulations and the order under the Act are approved, the matter would be returned to his ministry for enforcement, including measures to curb the sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes) via vending machines.
"With this Act, we can address such issues more effectively. Previously, the ministry said it would be enforced this month, but not everything is within its control.
"We are working with other departments, such as the AGC, because regulations and orders must be carefully scrutinised to avoid harm. They say the devil is in the details,” he said.
Dzulkefly told reporters this in response to reports of a vending machine in the federal capital selling vape products.
He was attending the Walkabout Programme for Clean Premises, Smoke-Free (BeBAs) at the MARA Arcade, Pulau Perhentian, here on Saturday (Aug 24).
Dzulkefly stressed that the Health Ministry ensures that the regulations and orders under the Act are carefully reviewed.
"Until the Act is fully enforced, we will continue to use the Tobacco Product Control Regulations 2004 (PPKHT). So, there’s no gap in enforcement,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dzulkefly called for full cooperation from state governments to implement smoke-free zones in crowded areas, such as the Terengganu Smoke-Free (TBAR) initiative at Pantai Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu.
He said that besides Terengganu, three other states – Penang, Melaka and Kelantan – have implemented similar initiatives.
"I hope for the cooperation of the State Health Departments and state health executive councillors to make this programme successful, especially in beach areas. It should be expanded nationwide without exception as it is very important,” he added. – Bernama
